“Political Education: National Policy Comes of Age” Christopher T. Cross Chairman, Cross & Joftus, LLC

The Events and the Issues That Have Shaped the Federal Role in Education Since WWII.

We Have a Federal Role: Not a National Policy At the federal level, education has been shaped by many factors: Race and Civil Rights Religion War on Poverty Politics and Special Interests The Economy

Factors that Have Shaped the Federal Role (continued) National Security and Defense Failure of the State to Act International Economic Competitiveness

National Security & Defense Smith-Hughes Act Impact Aid- WW II and Korea National Defense Education Act

Race and Civil Rights Brown v. Board of Education – 1954 Civil Rights Act – 1964 Issues of busing No Child Left Behind

Civil Rights Title IX IDEA – 1975

Religion General Aid Bill – 1950 Child Benefit Theory – 1965 Vouchers – Cleveland Case - Supreme Court Decision

War on Poverty ESEA – 1965 Economic Opportunity Act- Head Start

Politics & Special Interests Partisanship Watergate Creation of Department of Education –Jonestown Factor Small Program Creation

Failure of States to Act Many Federal Actions Have been Triggered by States Not Meeting Needs Voc Ed Title I IDEA Gifted NCLB

International Economic Competitiveness NDEA National Education Summit – 1989 National Education Goals – 1990 Goals

Selected Key Findings Second Chance Heritage Anecdotes Drives Policy, Not Data Worst Case Drives Law and Regs Federal System is Cumbersome A “D” Grade in Capacity and Timing Powerful Ideas Matter Importance of Presidential Involvement

Selected Key Findings Hill Leaders Are From Safe Districts The Power of the Business Community Federal Law Often Reflects Lead States Federal Organization Matters The Feds Get an “F” for Student Motivation and Parental Involvement

Forces Affecting Future Policy Education as a Civil Right Second Chance Options Remain Free Markets Centralization v. Flexibility Scientifically-based Evidence

Areas for New Initiatives Technology Early Learning High School Reform Teacher Education

As a Nation, We need a National Discussion on the Role and Priority of Education.

The Federal Government as Orchestra Conductor In the 1950s, federal role was akin to that of second chair string status. In the 21 st century, the federal role has become that of orchestra conductor, cuing everything from highly qualified teachers to supplemental services to accountability.